Piling For Mumbai’s Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road Triggers Tremors In Kandivali Buildings, Work Halted Amid Resident Fears
SAPNA DESAI
MUMBAI: Ongoing piling operations for the Versova-Dahisar Link Road, part of the city’s expanding coastal road network, have caused noticeable vibrations in several residential buildings in Kandivali West’s Charkop area, creating widespread concern among locals who likened the shaking to earthquake-like tremors.
The disturbances began around February 11 during test piling activities, particularly affecting structures in Charkop Sector 8, including buildings like Sea Mist. Residents reported intense jolts that prompted some to temporarily evacuate, fearing structural damage or safety risks.
In response to mounting complaints and protests from affected homeowners, authorities promptly suspended the work last Wednesday. The intervention followed persistent objections from locals and facilitation by the area MLA.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) quickly organized a high-level meeting under Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to address the situation. Officials prioritized public safety and resolved to commission independent structural audits of nearby buildings. Experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) will conduct these evaluations to assess any potential impacts from the vibrations.
Construction will remain paused until VJTI specialists provide clearance confirming the safety of resuming operations.
The Versova-Dahisar Link Road forms a key northern extension of Mumbai’s coastal road project, spanning approximately 20 km and estimated at around ₹20,000 crore. It aims to connect Versova in the south to Dahisar (and eventually Bhayandar) in the north, integrating with the already functional southern segments from Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link’s Worli end. The initiative seeks to reduce congestion in the western suburbs by offering a more direct, signal-free route.
The project has previously drawn criticism over environmental concerns, notably the impact on thousands of trees and mangroves. This latest incident highlights new challenges related to construction effects on adjacent communities.
At the meeting, residents called for improved prior notification about project activities and their implications, comprehensive expert inspections of all proximate buildings, rigorous safety measures, and designation of a dedicated officer to oversee operations on site.
Additional Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar noted that initial site inspections occurred before work started. To meet renewed demands, VJTI experts will now examine any vibration-related effects on surrounding structures. The BMC committed to implementing all required precautions, such as erecting 15-foot protective sheets to contain dust, and ensuring ongoing monitoring. Resumption of piling will depend entirely on favorable findings and approval from the VJTI inspection team.